Breaking news: Virgin plane circles low over Haywards Heath

A Virgin 747 is seen circling over Sussex, December 29 2014 after it developed a problem with it's landing gear. Initial reports suggest one side of the landing gear is not deployed on the Gatwick to las Vegas flight. See SWNS story SW747 SUS-141229-152923001

Published:14:55Updated:15:01Monday 29 December 2014

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A Virgin aeroplane which took off from Gatwick has been spotted circling low over Haywards Heath.

A spokesman for Gatwick Airport said: “We can confirm there is a plane departed from Gatwick about an hour ago and is looking to return to the airport.”

The plane was seen circling four times over the town at about 1.55pm.

John Burke, travel writer from Haywards Heath said: “This was far too low for safety. Even at the best of times, Gatwick’s aircraft have not yet reached cruising altitude when they pass over the centre of town.”

The plane has been seen flying low over Burgess Hill, Cuckfield, Lindfield, Wivelsfield and Uckfield.

The plane is thought to have been circling since 11.44am this morning (Monday, December 29).